WHYN Local News

IT'S THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013 -- HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING!

It took them almost 11 hours, but the Westfield State University Board of Trustees has voted to put its embattled president, Evan Dobelle on administrative leave pending a further investigation into allegations that he improperly used school monies. Dobelle’s attorney says he is not surprised but was non-committal on whether there will be a court fight over the issue.

A couple of Longmeadow teenagers have been arrested on charges that they embarked on a 5 thousand dollar vandalism spree earlier in the month. Officials say residents reported suspicious activity around Captain Road and Carvelle Avenue. No names because of ages. But the two at their arraignment were released to their parents and required to wear an electronic monitoring device.

We may know at some point tomorrow with the Mayor of West Springfield will fire or reinstate Police Captain Daniel O’Brien. O’Brien was cleared of any wrong doing in a police excessive force case but has remained on administrative leave since September of 2011. He has collected his paycheck. O’Brien says he wants to return to the force. If he doesn’t he has threatened a lawsuit.

The Mayor of Somerville Joe Curtatone says he is not running for governor. The mayor says the commitment is just too much to make right now. Right now attorney general Martha Coakley is the front runner for the office along with Treasurer Steve Grossman. The only republican candidate is Charlie Baker.